Favorites of a new generation
By Corie Brown(c) 2008, Los Angeles Times
March 27, 2008
After 2 1/2 years of weekly wine tastings, the Young Winos of Los Angeles have a few favorites. These recommendations, with excerpts from tasting notes compiled by members during recent tasting sessions, can be found, along with others, at www.youngwinosofla.com.
Wines are listed by category and from least to most expensive.
SPARKLING WINES
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut NV, California. “This toasty, floral sparkler beat out its pricier labelmates, so we popped open a bottle or two to celebrate.” $15.
2005 Francis Coppola “Sofia” Blanc de Blancs, California. “With its racy acidity and plentiful fruit, this cuvee almost makes you forgive the whole ‘Godfather III’ thing. Almost.” $19.
WHITE WINES
2005 Charles Shaw Chardonnay, California. “Don’t make fun, this is a completely respectable wine for the picnic, the beach or the big party. ” $2.
2006 Heartland Stickleback, South Australia. “A blend of Chardonnay and Verdelho with tons of tangy citrus and tropical fruit, this is an un-oaked wonder from Down Under.” $8.
2006 Naia Verdejo, Rueda, Spain. “This crisp yet complex little number left us wanting a second bottle ... and at this price, we can afford one.” $12.
2007 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand. “Anyone who isn’t yet hooked on these limey, herbaceous, party-in-your-mouth wines from Kiwi-ville needs to get to TJ’s 1/8Trader Joe’s 3/8 and swill a bottle of this little gem posthaste.” $15.
2005 JC Cellars Marsanne, Dry Creek Valley. “A big slice of fresh-baked cornbread smothered with honeysuckle jelly. Always fun to find a creamy, well-oaked white that isn’t Chardonnay.” $32.
RED WINES
2005 Protocolo Tinto, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain. “Hands down, our favorite wine for south of a Hamilton. This little-red-that-could delivers plenty of dark fruit and earthy spice from nose to finish.” $7.
2004 Domaine de la Terre Rouge “Tete-a-Tete,” Sierra Foothills. “Ripe cherry and smokehouse oak on this nicely balanced Rhone blend. Drinks well with barbecue.” $15.
2005 BearBoat Pinot Noir, Russian River. “Gorgeous cherry pigmentation and bountiful red berries on this light-skewing Pinot.” $16.
2006 J. Lohr “Seven Oaks” Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. “Tight at first, but drinks like a wine twice the price once it opens up. Dark, chewy, spicy Paso Cab.” $17.
2003 Bridlewood “English Pleasure” Syrah, Central Coast. “Exactly the kind of silky, jammy Syrah that makes us grateful to live within a couple hours of Santa Barbara.” $30.
2004 Epiphany Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara. “This is a big, concentrated wine with dark fruits aplenty and licorice to boot.” $30.
2006 Orin Swift “The Prisoner,” Napa Valley. “A blend that breaks all the rules, featuring Zin, Cab and Syrah in leading roles, this powerful wine glides over the palate like a Cadillac Fleetwood and leaves a wake of raspberry, mocha and leather.” $32.
2004 Pago de los Capellanes Tinto Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain. “This Iberian behemoth is a dirty, hulking monster of a Tempranillo, jammed with dark berries, chocolate and smoke.” $34.
2005 Rosenblum “Pickett Road” Petite Sirah, Napa Valley. “Ripe, opulent berry flavors and rambunctious coffee notes kept in check by round, chewy tannins. Nothing petite about this one.” $35.
2006 De La Montanya “1812” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley. “Unlike any wine we’ve ever had. The presence and intensity of a fortified wine cloaked in the dark, jammy flavors of your favorite Zin. Prepare your mind to be blown.” $38.
